[Overview]
Annuals to subshrubs.
Many have soft hairs.
The leaves include basal leaves and leaves opposite on the stem.
Capitula are borne at the branch tips.
The corolla is 5-lobed; the flowers in the center of the inflorescence are small and tubular, while those along the edge are strongly developed into two lips and spread outward.
The fruit consists of densely clustered achenes, with the calyx remaining.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, or by shoot cuttings.
Many prefer a cool climate, and the plants weaken in hot, humid conditions.
They prefer fertile soil in a sunny, well-drained site.
Species from Europe dislike acidic soil.
They tolerate dryness and dislike excess moisture, so for potted plants water thoroughly after the soil has dried, and for plants in the ground rainfall is sufficient.
If fertilizer is applied at planting, no further fertilizer is particularly needed, but potted plants may be given a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Gray mold can occur.
